What are the three things you don’t leave the house without? Your keys, your wallet or purse, and your phone! We have all become so connected and the mobile movement is upon us. According to Google, within the past week, 81 percent of us have used our phones to browse the internet, 77 percent of us have used a search engine, 48 percent of us have viewed a video, and 63 percent of us have connected with friends on social media … all on our PHONE!

Servicing a community that is always on the go, we know how useful and important a mobile device can be to gather quick and comprehensive information – instantly.

This past week, our Chamber, in partnership with ChamberConnex, launched a smartphone app that we are excited to introduce to the community. The app, for both iPhone and Android, is not only geared towards our members, but is designed to be a complete resource tool that can be used and enjoyed by area residents and visitors. The goal of our app is to help individuals on the go by putting valuable community information in the palm of your hand.

Called StTammanyBiz, the smartphone app is being sponsored by Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Banner Ford, Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West Restore, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Iberia Bank, K2Realty, N'tini's, NOLA Media Group, Northshore Broadcasting and Ochsner Northshore, and will include the following features:

Mobile Directory: All St. Tammany West Chamber members are included and may be searched by company name and category. View business hours, get a map to the location, and click-to-call!

Events: View a calendar of community events and find and register for Chamber events.

News: Through our partnership with NOLA Media Group, you can catch up on news from nola.com, as well as our Chamber blog and news from our members.

Special Deals: Opt-in to your favorite local businesses and receive special offers and coupons!

To download the FREE mobile app, text the words StTammanyWest to 71441. You will receive a text message back with a link to download the app. We hope all of you enjoy using the app and connecting with our member businesses!

Lacey Toledano is the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO. She can be contacted at info@sttammanychamber.org.